Poisoning

 

POISONING:-Poisoning refers to the harmful effects on the body resulting from the ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of a toxic substance.

 

POISON :

-Poison is a substance that, when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, can cause harm or death to an organism.

- Poisons can be natural or man-made and can come in a variety of forms, such as liquids, gases, or solids. 

-They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as in pesticides, cleaning products, and as a means of murder or suicide. Some common examples of poison include arsenic, cyanide, and lead.

TYPES OF POISONING ;

There are several types of poisoning, including:

Food poisoning: caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages.

Drug poisoning: caused by taking medications or drugs in excessive or inappropriate amounts.

Carbon monoxide poisoning: caused by inhaling carbon monoxide gas, which can be produced by faulty heating systems or other sources.

Chemical poisoning: caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides or cleaning products.

Alcohol poisoning: caused by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

Heavy metal poisoning: caused by exposure to toxic metals, such as lead or mercury.

Biological poisoning: caused by exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.

Insecticide poisoning: caused by exposure to insecticides.

Venomous bites and stings: caused by venomous animals such as snake, spider, scorpion and jellyfish etc.

Note : 

1.most common type of poisoning is - Organophosphorus poisoning ( available name in market is Metacid , Novan , Dalf , Malathion, parathon etc)

2.Most common poisoning in child -

Kerosene oil poisoning. 

CAUSES OF POISONING:

1. Accidental poisoning

2. Suicidal poisoning

3. Homicidal poisoning 

ROUTE OF POISONING:

1.Ingestion -

is the most common route of poisoning, and it occurs when a toxic substance is consumed through the mouth. This can happen through the accidental or intentional ingestion of toxic substances, such as medications, cleaning products, or other chemicals. 

-Ingestion can also occur through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

2.Inhalation -

-occurs when a toxic substance is breathed in through the nose or mouth. 

-This can happen through the breathing of toxic fumes or gases, such as carbon monoxide or chlorine. 

-Inhalation can also occur through the use of certain drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamines, that are inhaled through the nose.

3.Injection:

-is the introduction of a substance into the body via a needle or other sharp object. 

+This can happen through the use of illicit drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, that are injected using a needle.

- Injection can also occur through the use of contaminated needles or other sharp objects, such as those used in tattooing or body piercing.

4.Absorption through the skin or eyes: occurs when a toxic substance comes into contact with the skin or eyes. -

This can happen through direct contact with a toxic substance, such as a chemical or pesticide.-

 Absorption through the skin can also occur through the use of certain medications, such as transdermal patches, which are applied directly to the skin.

CLINICAL FEATURE OF POISONING:

The clinical features of poisoning can vary depending on the type and amount of substance ingested, as well as the individual's age, medical history, and overall health. Some common symptoms of poisoning include:

1.Nausea and vomiting

2.Diarrhea

3.Abdominal pain

4.Headache

5.Dizziness and confusion

6.Fatigue and weakness

7.Rapid or irregular heartbeat

8.Chest pain

9.Breathing difficulties

10.Seizures or convulsions

11.Coma

12.Respiratory failure

13.Blur vision

14.Salivation

15.Bronhospasm

16.Cyanosis etc

GENERAL PRINCIPLE MANAGEMENT OF POISONING:

1.Identifying and removing the source of the poison, if possible.

2.Providing supportive care, such as oxygen and fluids, to maintain vital functions.

3.Administering specific antidotes or treatments, if available and appropriate.

4.Monitoring the patient's vital signs and symptoms to assess the effectiveness of treatment and to detect any complications.

5.Transporting the patient to a hospital or poison control center for further evaluation and treatment, if necessary.

6.Providing follow-up care, including monitoring for delayed complications and providing counseling and education to prevent future poisonings.

TREATMENT:

Treatment for poisoning depends on the type of substance involved, the amount consumed, and the symptoms experienced by the individual. In general, treatment may include the following steps:

1.Call for emergency medical help or call the poison control center.

2.Identify the substance involved and have the container or packaging available for reference.

3.Remove the person from the source of the poison if it is still present.

4.Administer first aid, if appropriate, such as performing CPR if the person has stopped breathing.

5.There are several different types of drugs that can be used to treat poisoning, depending on the type of poison and the severity of the symptoms. Some common types of drugs used to treat poisoning include:

*Antidotes: 

The specific antidote for a poisoning will depend on the type of poison that has been ingested. Some common antidotes include:

(A. Acetylcysteine  for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose

B. Activated  charcoal for many types of oral poisonings. 

C. Atropine for organophosphate- pesticide poisoning. 

D. Naloxone for opioid overdose. 

E . N-acetylcysteine for methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. 

F . Prussian blue for thallium and cesium poisoning. 

G . Vitamin K for warfarin (Coumadin) overdose. )

H .Activated charcoal: a substance that binds to certain chemicals in the stomach, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Others:-

*Laxatives: used to remove poisons from the body through the bowels. 

*Diuretics: drugs that increase urine production, which can help remove toxins from the body. 

*Sodium bicarbonate: used to neutralize certain acids that may be present in the stomach. 

6.Administer a cathartic, if appropriate, to expel poison from the body.

7.Administer an antidote, if one is available and appropriate for the specific poison.

8.Provide supportive care, such as oxygen, IV fluids, and medications to control symptoms.

9.Monitor vital signs and provide ongoing care and observation until the person is stable and can be transferred to a hospital or discharged.

COMPLICATION OF POISONING:-

Poisoning can cause a wide range of complications, depending on the type and severity of the poisoning. Some of the most common complications include:

Organ damage: Certain poisons can cause damage to specific organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or brain. This can lead to long-term health problems and, in some cases, even death.

Anaphylaxis: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to certain poisons, which can cause symptoms such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Coma or seizure:-  Certain poisons can cause the brain to stop functioning properly, leading to a coma or seizures. These can be serious and may result in permanent brain damage or death.

Chronic health conditions: Some poisons can cause chronic health conditions, such as nerve damage or cancer, that may not appear until years after the initial exposure.

Psychological effects: Exposure to certain poisons can also have psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

THE END.